Normal PSA Levels

The protein released by the prostate gland in men is referred to as 'prostate specific antigen' or PSA. PSA test has become a boon for the mankind as it has saved the lives of millions of men. PSA test is a simple blood test, with the help of which PSA levels in blood are measured. Prostate cancer mortality rates have significantly dropped down (by about 6%) since 1992, as more and more people are undergoing PSA test. This test helps detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage. Early detection and prompt treatment help cure the cancer. To analyze the test reports, it is necessary to know what the normal PSA levels in men are. Factors that lead to an increase in PSA levels are also explained below.

PSA Levels in Men

PSA less than 4 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter of blood) is regarded as normal PSA for men. Some laboratories consider PSA less than 2.5 ng/mL or 3 ng/mL as the normal PSA levels for men. Since PSA test numbers, higher than the cut-off value, indicate chances of having prostate cancer, it is argued that less cut-off value can help detect more early-stage prostate cancer cases. But according to some researchers, this may result in over-diagnosis. Experts say that it is wrong and unnecessary to treat those conditions which are never going to cause any health problem in future. So, mostly, 4 ng/mL is considered as the cut-off value. The following chart may help you know more about PSA levels and what they mean.

PSA Levels: Meaning

PSA Test Numbers	Interpretation
Less than 4 ng/mL	Normal
4 - 10 ng/mL	20 - 30 % risk of cancer
10 - 20 ng/mL	50 - 75 % risk of cancer
Above 20 ng/mL	90 % risk of cancer

Though the above chart shows PSA test results and the corresponding PSA test results meaning, elevated PSA do not always indicate cancer. Not only cancer but several other prostate problems can affect the PSA levels.

Causes of Elevated PSA Levels

Prostate disorders like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate can cause a rise in PSA levels. Most elderly people suffer from enlarged prostate. Infected or inflamed prostate, known as prostatitis may exhibit high PSA levels. Not only the health problems but ejaculation, cycling can lead to an increase in PSA levels. There can be an increase in PSA due to recently performed DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) or prostate biopsy. It is necessary to inform your doctor about the routine medicines before undergoing PSA test; because certain medicines can lead to a rise in PSA levels. Moreover, a larger PSA gland may have higher PSA levels. Therefore, PSA density is also taken into consideration while measuring PSA levels. PSA velocity also helps determine the cause of elevated PSA levels.

Since a number of factors are responsible for elevated PSA levels, doctors usually order a DRE, when a PSA test shows high PSA numbers. DRE helps evaluate prostate health. During DRE, the doctor inserts his gloved finger through the anus and checks the walls of the rectum for the abnormal growth of the prostate gland. Bumps in the rectal wall indicate enlarged prostate. After 3-4 weeks, your doctor might ask you to undergo another PSA test. The diagnosis is confirmed after seeing the results of two consecutive tests. Sometimes, after seeing a slight rise in PSA levels, the doctor may ask you to wait and watch. Then, you may have to undergo PSA tests at regular intervals. Consistently high PSA levels indicate prostate cancer. The diagnosis is confirmed after biopsy.

PSA Levels by Age

The cut-off value for PSA levels can be slightly different for the young and the elderly. Young adults may have slightly low PSA levels than the elderly; because PSA levels rise naturally as a man ages. The age-adjusted normal PSA levels are described below:

PSA Levels	Normal for Men
Lss than 2.4 ng/mL	Under the Age of 50 Years
3 ng/mL or Less	Under the Age of 60 Years
4 ng/ml or Less	In the Age Group of 60 to 69
5 ng/ml or Less	Aged Over 70 Years

It is necessary to understand that PSA numbers may vary according to the age of the person. For example, 3 ng/mL PSA may be normal for a 60-year old, but if a man belonging to the age group of 40-49 has 3 ng/mL, then it can be a cause of concern since it indicates increased risk for cancer.

In general, 4 ng/mL PSA is referred to as the standard cut-off value for men between age 50 and 70. If prostate gland is completely removed surgically, PSA levels should be 0 ng/mL. After the surgery, patients need to undergo PSA tests regularly, as they help monitor PSA levels. African-Americans and the men with family history of prostate cancer are more susceptible to prostate cancer and therefore they need to undergo PSA tests regularly after the age of 40. All other men may undergo PSA test regularly after the age of 50. Normal PSA levels may vary slightly from person to person and discussing the PSA numbers with your doctor may help clear all your doubts.